Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
